Temperatures dip overnight; warmer weather on the way

Temperatures had dipped into the 40s by 9 p.m. across much of the area and were expected to continue slipping overnight.

A frost advisory was in effect for a large swath of Piedmont counties overnight until 9 a.m., and the forecast low for Raleigh was just above freezing, about 10 degrees cooler than late-October averages.

"We could see some frost in spots, but a few clouds that made it into the area might keep it from being widespread," WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said. "The rural areas are still the most likely to see frost tonight and through the end of the week."

A slow warming trend will begin Thursday during the daytime hours, but lows will dip into the mid-30s for the next four days. Temperatures should top out at about 60 degrees Thursday, Friday and Saturday, still a few degrees below normal for early November.

Clouds will gradually move out as well, allowing sunshine and clear skies to return Friday and Saturday for both high school and college football.

"Clouds from Sandy will stay with us through parts of the day Thursday, but get ready for full sunshine by Friday and again on Saturday."

The next significant chance of rain will come Monday as the next front moves through.